Lintel cover

ABSTRACT

A lintel cover is disclosed. The cover comprises a front surface-concealing portion for concealing the front surface of the lintel, an upper surface engager defining an upper surface-engaging member for engaging the upper surface of the lintel, a lower surface engager defining a lower surface-engaging member for engaging the lower surface of the lintel, a lower surface-concealing portion that defines at least one drain port. Engagement of the upper surface engaging member and the lower surface engaging member to the lintel effect coupling of the cover to the lintel to obtain an assembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, the front surface-concealing portion is concealing at least a portion of the front surface, and the lower surface-concealing portion is concealing at least a portion of the lower surface, and the at least one drain port is operative for facilitating egress of liquid that has accumulated between the cover and the lintel.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cover for a lintel, in particular,to a cover for a lintel that is configured to facilitate egress ofliquid that has accumulated between the cover and the lintel.

BACKGROUND

Steel lintels, for example, L-shaped lintels, are typically used in theconstruction of residential and commercial building. The lintel isinstalled above an opening in which a window or a door is to beinstalled. The lintel is a structural component of the building, andfunctions to support the weight of construction materials, for example,bricks and mortar, that are disposed above the lintel. In this respect,the weight of the construction materials disposed above the lintel aresupported by the lintel rather than the window or door that is installedin the opening below the lintel. While the lintel is installed, at leasta portion of the lintel may be exposed to the environment. Typically, arust-proof coating is painted over the lintel to mitigate oxidation ofthe lintel. Nevertheless, over time, said exposed portion of the lintelmay oxidize, resulting in an unsightly appearance. A lintel cover may beinstalled on the lintel to cover up the exposed portions of the lintel,such that the oxidation of the lintel may be concealed. The cover mayalso have an ornamental function, as the cover may be a colour thatmatches or is complementary to the colour of the window or door that isinstalled below the lintel.

Unfortunately, liquid between the bricks or between the walls may flowinto the space between the lintel and the cover. Existing covers areunable to egress said liquid that accumulates between the lintel and thecover.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided a cover for a lintel, wherein thelintel includes a horizontally-extending member, thehorizontally-extending member includes an upper surface, a lower surfacedisposed on an opposite side of the horizontally-extending memberrelative to the upper surface, and a front surface extending between theupper surface and the lower surface, wherein the upper surface includesa load-receiving portion for receiving a load for supporting by thelintel, wherein the cover comprises: a front surface-concealing portionfor concealing at least a portion of the front surface; an upper surfaceengager defining an upper surface-engaging member for engaging the uppersurface of the lintel; a lower surface engager defining a lowersurface-engaging member for engaging the lower surface of the lintel; alower surface-concealing portion; and at least one drain port definedwithin the lower surface-concealing portion; wherein: the cover isconfigured for co-operating with the lintel such that: engagement of theupper surface-engaging member to the upper surface of the lintel andengagement of the lower surface-engaging member to the lower surface ofthe lintel co-operate for effecting coupling of the cover to the lintelsuch that an assembled configuration is obtained; in the assembledconfiguration: the front surface-concealing portion is concealing atleast a portion of the front surface; and the lower surface-concealingportion is concealing at least a portion of the lower surface; and theat least one drain port is operative for facilitating egress of liquidthat has accumulated between the cover and the lintel.

In another aspect, there is provided an assembly, comprising: a lintel,wherein the lintel includes a horizontally-extending member, thehorizontally-extending member includes an upper surface, a lower surfacedisposed on an opposite side of the horizontally-extending memberrelative to the upper surface, and a front surface extending between theupper surface and the lower surface, wherein the upper surface includesa load-receiving portion for receiving a load for supporting by thelintel; and a cover for the lintel, wherein the cover includes: a frontsurface-concealing portion for concealing at least a portion of thefront surface; an upper surface engager defining an uppersurface-engaging member for engaging the upper surface of the lintel; alower surface engager defining a lower surface-engaging member forengaging the lower surface of the lintel; a lower surface-concealingportion; and at least one drain port defined within the lowersurface-concealing portion; wherein: the cover is configured forco-operating with the lintel such that: engagement of the uppersurface-engaging member to the upper surface of the lintel andengagement of the lower surface-engaging member to the lower surface ofthe lintel co-operate for effecting anchoring of the cover to the lintelsuch that an assembled configuration is obtained; in the assembledconfiguration: the front surface-concealing portion is concealing atleast a portion of the front surface; and the lower surface-concealingportion is concealing at least a portion of the lower surface; and theat least one drain port is operative for facilitating egress of liquidthat has accumulated between the cover and the lintel.

Other aspects will be apparent from the description and drawingsprovided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the figures, which illustrate example embodiments,

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lintel supportedby construction materials;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lintel cover;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 2 , coupled to alintel;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 2 , coupled to thelintel;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of the cover of FIG. 2 , coupled to the lintel;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a covercoupled to a lintel;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a covercoupled to a lintel;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 7 , with openings inthe spacer;

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a lintel installed as part of a wall;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a covercoupled to a lintel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cover for a lintel is disclosed. The cover includes at least one drainport. The cover is configured to couple with the lintel. While the coveris covered to the lintel, the cover conceals at least a portion of thefront surface and at least a portion of the lower surface of thehorizontally-extending member of the lintel, and the at least one drainport is operative for facilitating egress of liquid that has accumulatedbetween the cover and the lintel.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 12 depict an example embodiment of a wall of a buildingthat includes a lintel 12. As depicted, the lintel 12 is an L-shapedlintel, and is made of steel. The lintel 12 includes avertically-extending member 20 and a horizontally-extending member 30.The horizontally-extending member 30 includes an upper surface 32,includes a load receiving portion 33 for receiving a load for supportingby the lintel 10, a lower surface 34 that is disposed on an oppositeside of the horizontally-extending member 30 relative to the uppersurface 32, a front surface 36 that extends between the upper surface 32and the lower surface 34, and a rear surface 38 that faces a directionopposite the front surface 36.

As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12 , while the lintel 12 is installed aspart of the wall 10, the ends of the lintel 12 are supported byconstruction materials 14, for example, bricks, disposed below thelintel 12, and construction materials 14, for example, bricks, aresupported on the load receiving portion 33 of the upper surface 32. Inthis respect, in some embodiments, for example, the weight of theconstruction materials 14 that are supported by the lintel 12 aredistributed, via the lintel 12, to the construction materials 14 thatare supporting the lintel 12.

As depicted in FIG. 12 , while the lintel 12 is installed as part of thewall 10, construction materials 14, such as bricks and mortar, andcomponents of the wall, such as a window 50 or a door, conceal at leasta portion of the lintel 12, such that an exposed portion 362 of thefront surface 36, and an exposed portion 342 of the lower surface 34,are defined. In some embodiments, for example, the exposed portion 362of the front surface 36 defines at least 50% of the front surface 36.That is, in some embodiments, for example, while the lintel 12 isinstalled as part of the wall 10, at least 50% of the surface area ofthe front surface 36 is exposed. In some embodiments, for example, theexposed portion 362 of the front surface 36 defines at least 80% of thefront surface 36. That is, in some embodiments, for example, while thelintel 12 is installed as part of the wall 10, at least 80% of thesurface area of the front surface 36 is exposed. In some embodiments,for example, the exposed portion 342 of the lower surface 34 defines atleast 50% of the lower surface 34. That is, in some embodiments, forexample, while the lintel 12 is installed as part of the wall 10, atleast 50% of the surface area of the lower surface 34 is exposed. Insome embodiments, for example, the exposed portion 342 of the lowersurface 34 defines at least 80% of the lower surface 34. That is, insome embodiments, for example, while the lintel 12 is installed as partof the wall 10, at least 80% of the surface area of the lower surface 34is exposed.

FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 depict an example embodiment of a cover 100 for thelintel 12. The cover includes a front surface-concealing portion 102 forconcealing at least a portion of the front surface 36 of the lintel 10,an upper surface engager 104 defining an upper surface-engaging member106 for engaging the upper surface 32 of the lintel 10, a lower surfaceengager 108 defining a lower surface-engaging member 110 for engagingthe lower surface 34 of the lintel 10, and a lower surface-concealingportion 112 for concealing at least a portion of the lower surface 34 ofthe lintel 10. In some embodiments, for example, the lower surfaceengager 108 defines the lower surface-concealing portion 112. Asdepicted, in some embodiments, for example, relative to the lowersurface-engaging member 110, the lower surface-concealing portion 112 isdisposed more proximately to the front surface-concealing portion 102.In some embodiments, for example, the lower surface-concealing portion112 is interposed between the front surface-concealing portion 102 andthe lower surface-engaging member 110.

The cover 100 includes at least one drain port 114 defined within thelower surface-concealing portion 112. In some embodiments, for example,the at least one drain port 114 has a minimum cross-sectional area of atleast 0.012 inches squared for flow of liquid therethrough. In someembodiments, for example, the at least one drain port 114 has a roundshape, such as a circular shape. In such embodiments, for example, theat least one drain port 114 has a minimum diameter of at least 0.125inches. In some embodiments, for example, the at least one drain port114 has more than one side, for example, three sides, four sides, ormore than four sides. As depicted in FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, forexample, the at least one drain port 114 has a rectangular shape. Insuch embodiments, for example, the at least one drain port 114 has aminimum length of at least 0.125 inches and a minimum width of at least0.125 inches. In some embodiments, for example, the at least one drainport 114 is a plurality of drain ports 114. As depicted in FIG. 5 , insome embodiments, for example, the lower surface-concealing portion 112defines two drain ports 114, wherein a first drain port 114 is definedat a first end of the lower surface-concealing portion 112, and a seconddrain port 114 is defined at a second end of the lowersurface-concealing portion 112 that is opposite the first end.

In some embodiments, for example, as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 , thelower surface engager 108 is disposed at an angle relative to the uppersurface engager 104. In some embodiments, for example, the upper surfaceengager 104 includes a surface 116 that defines a first normal axis 120,and the lower surface engager 108 includes a surface 118 that defines asecond normal axis 122. As depicted in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, forexample, an acute angle 124 is defined between the first normal axis 120and the second normal axis 122. In some embodiments, for example, aminimum value for the angle 124 is at least 3 degrees. In someembodiments, for example, a maximum value for the angle 124 is 10degrees.

In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is resilientlydeformable for transitioning from a coupling-ready configuration, asdepicted in FIG. 2 , to a coupling-effective configuration, as depictedin FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, for example, thetransitioning of the cover 100 from the coupling-ready configuration tothe coupling-effective configuration is with effect that spacing betweenthe upper surface-engaging member 106 and the lower surface-engagingmember 110 is increased. In some embodiments, for example, thetransitioning of the cover 100 from the coupling-ready configuration tothe coupling-effective configuration is with effect that the lowersurface-engaging member 110 and the upper surface-engaging member 106become further spread apart. In some embodiments, for example, in thecoupling-effective configuration, relative to its disposition in thecoupling-ready configuration, the lower surface-engaging member 110 isdisposed further from the upper surface-engaging member 106. In someembodiments, for example, the lower-engaging member 110 is biased foreffecting reversion of the cover from the coupling-effectiveconfiguration to the coupling-ready configuration.

In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is configured to becoupled to the lintel 12 for concealing at least a portion of the lintel12. In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is configured forco-operating with the lintel 12 such that engagement of the uppersurface-engaging member 106 to the upper surface 32 of the lintel 12 andengagement of the lower surface-engaging member 110 to the lower surface34 of the lintel 12 co-operate for effecting coupling of the cover 100to the lintel 12 such that an assembled configuration is obtained, asdepicted in FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , and FIG. 6 . In the assembledconfiguration, the front surface-concealing portion 102 is concealing atleast a portion of the front surface 36 of the lintel 12, the lowersurface-concealing portion 112 is concealing at least a portion of thelower surface 34 of the lintel 12, and the at least one drain port 114is operative for facilitating egress of liquid that has accumulatedbetween the cover 100 and the lintel 12.

In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is further configuredfor co-operating with the lintel 12 such that, in the assembledconfiguration, the cover 100 is disposed in the coupling-effectiveconfiguration. In some embodiments, for example, the engagement of theupper surface-engaging member 106 to the upper surface 32 of the lintel12 is with effect that the upper surface-engaging member 106 is bearingon the upper surface 32 of the lintel 12. In some embodiments, forexample, the engagement of the lower surface-engaging member 110 to thelower surface 34 of the lintel 12 is with effect that the lowersurface-engaging member 110 is bearing on the lower surface 34 of thelintel 12. In some embodiments, for example, the bias of thelower-engaging member 110 for effecting reversion of the cover 100 fromthe coupling-effective configuration to the coupling-ready configurationeffects the bearing of the upper surface-engaging member 106 on theupper surface 32 of the lintel 12 and the bearing of the lowersurface-engaging member 110 on the lower surface 34 of the lintel 12,respectively.

In some embodiments, for example, the bearing of the uppersurface-engaging member 106 on the upper surface 32 of the lintel 12 andthe bearing of the lower surface-engaging member 110 on the lowersurface 34 of the lintel 12 co-operate with effect that the cover 100 isclamped to the lintel 12.

In some embodiments, for example, as depicted in FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , andFIG. 6 , in the assembled configuration, the concealing of the at leasta portion of the front surface 36 by the front surface-concealingportion 102 and the concealing of the at least a portion of the lowersurface 34 by the lower surface-concealing portion 112 co-operate witheffect that the lintel 12 is continuously concealed from the at least aportion of the front surface 36 to the at least a portion of the lowersurface 34.

In some embodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, theconcealed portion of the front surface 36 defines at least 80% of thefront surface 36. That is, in some embodiments, for example, in theassembled configuration, at least 80% of the surface area of the frontsurface 36 is concealed. In some embodiments, for example, in theassembled configuration, the front surface-concealing portion 102completely conceals the front surface 36. In some embodiments, forexample, in the assembled configuration, the concealed portion of thefront surface 36 defines the entirety of the front surface 36. In someembodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, the concealedportion of the front surface 36 has a surface area of at least 6 squareinches. In some embodiments, for example, in the assembledconfiguration, the concealed portion of the front surface 36 defines atleast 80% of the exposed portion 362 of the front surface 36. In someembodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, the concealedportion of the front surface 36 defines at least 90% of the exposedportion 362 of the front surface 36. In some embodiments, for example,in the assembled configuration, the concealed portion of the frontsurface 36 defines the entirety of the exposed portion 362 of the frontsurface 36.

In some embodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, theconcealed portion of the lower surface 34 defines at least 50% of thelower surface 34. That is, in some embodiments, for example, in theassembled configuration, at least 50% of the surface area of the lowersurface 34 is concealed. In some embodiments, for example, in theassembled configuration, the concealed portion of the lower surface 34defines at least 80% of the lower surface 34. In some embodiments, forexample, in the assembled configuration, the lower surface-concealingportion 112 completely conceals the lower surface 34. In someembodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, the concealedportion of the lower surface 34 defines the entirety of the lowersurface 34. In some embodiments, for example, in the assembledconfiguration, the concealed portion of the lower surface 34 has asurface area of at least 60 square inches. In some embodiments, forexample, in the assembled configuration, the concealed portion of thelower surface 34 defines at least 80% of the exposed portion 342 of thelower surface 34. In some embodiments, for example, in the assembledconfiguration, the concealed portion of the lower surface 34 defines atleast 90% of the exposed portion 342 of the lower surface 34. In someembodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, the concealedportion of the lower surface 34 defines the entirety of the exposedportion 342 of the lower surface 34.

In some embodiments, for example, as depicted in FIG. 3 , FIG. 7 , andFIG. 9 , in the assembled configuration, the front surface-concealingportion 102 and the lower surface engager 108 are co-operativelyconfigured to define a liquid-receiving space 130 for receiving liquidthat ingresses between the lintel 12 and the cover 100. In someembodiments, for example, liquid that ingresses between the lintel 12and the cover 100 collects in the liquid-receiving space 130, and thendrains out through the at least one drain port 114.

In some embodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, thelower surface engager 108 is sufficiently sloped in a downward directionsuch that, while liquid is disposed between the horizontally-extendingmember 30 of the lintel 12 and the lower surface engager 108, the liquidis encouraged to flow towards the drain port 114 in response to urgingby gravitational forces.

In some embodiments, for example, the front surface-concealing portion102, the upper surface engager 104, and the lower surface engager 108are co-operatively configured to define a cavity 132, as depicted inFIG. 5 , FIG. 8 , and FIG. 10 . The cavity 132 is configured to receivea coupling portion of the lintel 12, said coupling portion including thefront surface 36. In response to the receiving of the coupling portionof the lintel 12 in the cavity 132, for example, by displacement of thecover 100 towards the lintel 12 such that the coupling portion isinserted in the cavity 132, engagement of the upper surface-engagingmember 106 to the upper surface 32 of the lintel 12 and engagement ofthe lower surface-engaging member 110 to the lower surface 34 of thelintel 12 is effected, such that the cover 100 is coupled to the lintel12. In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is coupled to thelintel 12 by pressing the cover 100 towards the lintel 12 while thecoupling portion of the lintel 12 is received in the cavity 132. In someembodiments, for example, the cover 100 is coupled to the lintel 12 viapress fit.

In some embodiments, for example, while constructing a new wall, thecover 100 is coupled to the lintel 12, and the assembly, comprising thelintel 12 and cover 100, is supported on the construction materials 14,for example, bricks. Then, with the assembly supported by theconstruction materials 14, additional construction materials 14 aredisposed above the lintel 12. In some embodiments, for example, toretrofit an existing wall, a cut, for example, a saw cut, is madebetween the existing lintel 12 and the construction materials 14disposed above, adjacent to, and below the lintel 12. With the cut made,the cover 100 is displaced towards the lintel 12 such that the couplingportion is inserted in the cavity 132 to couple the lintel 12 and thecover 100.

In some embodiments, for example, as depicted in FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 , thecover 100 includes a spacer 140 that extends from the lower surfaceengager 108. In some embodiments, for example, the spacer 140 extendsperpendicularly from the lower surface engager 108. In some embodiments,for example, the spacer 140 extends from a first end to a second end ofthe lower surface engager 108, in a direction that is parallel to alongitudinal axis of the cover 100. As depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 ,in some embodiments, for example, the spacer 140 is disposed offset fromthe at least one drain port 140. As depicted in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , insome embodiments, for example, the spacer 140 is disposed in alignmentwith the at least one drain port 140.

As depicted, in the assembled configuration, the spacer 140 is engagedwith the lower surface 34 of the horizontal-extending member 30 of thelintel 12 for effecting spacing of the lower surface engager 108relative to the lower surface 34 of the lintel 12.

In some embodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, thespacer 140 is engaged with the lower surface 34 of thehorizontal-extending member 30 of the lintel 12 with effect thatinclination of the lower surface engager 108 is effected, such that theliquid that is disposed between the horizontal-extending member 30 ofthe lintel 12 and the lower surface engager 108 is urged bygravitational forces to flow towards the at least one drain port 114.

In some embodiments, for example, at least one opening 141 is defined onthe spacer 140 for facilitating flow of liquid across the spacer 140, asdepicted in FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, for example, the at least oneopening 141 includes a slot, a channel, an aperture, a notch, and thelike. In some embodiments, for example, the at least one opening has aminimum cross-sectional area of at least 0.012 square inches for flow ofliquid therethrough. In some embodiments, for example, the at least oneopening is punched through the spacer 140 to define the at least oneopening on the spacer 140.

In some embodiments, for example, in the assembled configuration, withthe spacer 140 engaged with the lower surface 34 of thehorizontal-extending member 30 of the lintel 12, thehorizontal-extending member 30, the lower surface 34, and the spacer 140define a first liquid-receiving space 142 and a second liquid-receivingspace 144, wherein the second liquid-receiving space 144 includes the atleast one drain port 114, as depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 . In someembodiments, for example, the liquid that ingresses between the lintel12 and the cover 100 flows into the first liquid-receiving space 142 anda second liquid-receiving space 144. In some embodiments, for example,fluid communication is established between the first liquid-receivingspace 142 and the second liquid-receiving space 144 via the at least oneopening 141 defined within the spacer 140, such that liquid that isdisposed in the first liquid-receiving space 142 is urged bygravitational forces to flow through the at least one opening 141 andtowards the drain port 114.

In some embodiments, for example, the at least one opening is aplurality of openings, for example, two openings 141, as depicted inFIG. 11 .

In some embodiments, for example, as depicted in FIG. 13 , the cover 100includes a rear surface engager 150 defining a rear surface-engagingmember 152 for engaging the rear surface 38 of the lintel 10. In someembodiments, for example, the rear surface engager 150 extends from thelower surface engager 108. In some embodiments, for example, the frontsurface concealing portion 102 and the rear surface engager 150 extendfrom opposite ends of the lower surface engager 108. In someembodiments, for example, an angle defined between the lower surfaceengager 108 and the rear surface engager 150 has a minimum value of atleast 90 degrees. In some embodiments, for example, the angle definedbetween the lower surface engager 108 and the rear surface engager 150has a minimum value of greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, forexample, the upper surface engager 104 and the rear surface engager 150are co-operatively configured such that the cover 100 is couplable tothe lintel 12 via snap fit.

In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is configured forco-operating with the lintel 12 such that engagement of the uppersurface-engaging member 106 to the upper surface 32 of the lintel 12,engagement of the lower surface-engaging member 110 to the lower surface34 of the lintel 12, and engagement of the rear surface-engaging member152 to the rear surface 38 of the lintel 12 co-operate for effectingcoupling of the cover 100 to the lintel 12 such that an assembledconfiguration is obtained, as depicted in FIG. 13 . In the assembledconfiguration, the front surface-concealing portion 102 is concealing atleast a portion of the front surface 36 of the lintel 12, the lowersurface-concealing portion 112 is concealing at least a portion of thelower surface 34 of the lintel 12, and the at least one drain port 114is operative for facilitating egress of liquid that has accumulatedbetween the cover 100 and the lintel 12.

In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is further configuredfor co-operating with the lintel 12 such that, in the assembledconfiguration, the cover 100 is disposed in the coupling-effectiveconfiguration. In some embodiments, for example, the engagement of therear surface-engaging member 152 to the rear surface 38 of the lintel 12is with effect that the rear surface-engaging member 152 is bearing onthe rear surface 38 of the lintel 12. In some embodiments, for example,the bias of the lower-engaging member 110 for effecting reversion of thecover 100 from the coupling-effective configuration to thecoupling-ready configuration effects the bearing of the rearsurface-engaging member 152 on the rear surface 38 of the lintel 12.

In some embodiments, for example, the bearing of the uppersurface-engaging member 106 on the upper surface 32 of the lintel 12,the bearing of the lower surface-engaging member 110 on the lowersurface 34 of the lintel 12, and the bearing of the rearsurface-engaging member 152 on the rear surface 38 of the lintel 12co-operate with effect that the cover 100 is clamped to the lintel 12.

To couple the cover 100 of FIG. 13 to the lintel 12, the couplingportion of the lintel 12 is received in the cavity 132 of the cover 100.At this point, the rear surface engager 150 is disposed in opposingrelationship to the lower surface 34. The cover 100 is displaced furthertowards the lintel 12 until the rear surface engager 150 is no longerdisposed in opposing relationship with the lower surface 34. At thispoint, due to the bias of the lower-engaging member 110 for effectingreversion of the cover 100 from the coupling-effective configuration tothe coupling-ready configuration, the lower engaging member 110 isdisplaced towards the lower surface 34, and effect snap fitting of thecover 100 on the lintel 12, with the rear surface engaging member 152bearing against the rear surface 38 of the lintel 12.

In some embodiments, for example, the front surface-concealing portion102, the upper surface engager 104, the lower surface engager 108, andthe lower surface-concealing portion 112 are integrally formed, suchthat the cover 100 is of unitary one-piece construction.

In some embodiments, for example, the cover 100 is manufactured byextrusion.

In some embodiments, for example, the material of manufacture of thecover 100 includes plastic, aluminum, or steel. In some embodiments, forexample, the material of manufacture of the cover 100 includes polyvinylchloride. In some embodiments, for example, the material of manufactureof the cover 100 includes roll form galvanized steel.

The preceding discussion provides many example embodiments. Althougheach embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements,other examples may include all suitable combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, other remainingcombinations of A, B, C, or D, may also be used.

The term “connected” or “coupled to” may include both direct coupling(in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact eachother) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional elementis located between the two elements).

Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should beunderstood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade herein.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to belimited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine,manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps describedin the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantiallythe same function or achieve substantially the same result as thecorresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly,the appended claims are intended to include within their scope suchprocesses, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,methods, or steps.

As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated areintended to be examples only. The invention is defined by the appendedclaims.

1. A cover for a lintel, wherein the lintel includes ahorizontally-extending member, the horizontally-extending memberincludes an upper surface, a lower surface disposed on an opposite sideof the horizontally-extending member relative to the upper surface, anda front surface extending between the upper surface and the lowersurface, wherein the upper surface includes a load-receiving portion forreceiving a load for supporting by the lintel, wherein the covercomprises: a front surface-concealing portion for concealing at least aportion of the front surface; an upper surface engager defining an uppersurface-engaging member for engaging the upper surface of the lintel; alower surface engager defining a lower surface-engaging member forengaging the lower surface of the lintel; a lower surface-concealingportion; and at least one drain port defined within the lowersurface-concealing portion; wherein: the cover is configured forco-operating with the lintel such that: engagement of the uppersurface-engaging member to the upper surface of the lintel andengagement of the lower surface-engaging member to the lower surface ofthe lintel co-operate for effecting coupling of the cover to the lintelsuch that an assembled configuration is obtained; in the assembledconfiguration: the front surface-concealing portion is concealing atleast a portion of the front surface; and the lower surface-concealingportion is concealing at least a portion of the lower surface; and theat least one drain port is operative for facilitating egress of liquidthat has accumulated between the cover and the lintel.
 2. The cover asclaimed in claim 1; wherein: the cover is resiliently deformable fortransitioning from a coupling-ready configuration to acoupling-effective configuration, with effect that: spacing between theupper surface-engaging member and the lower surface-engaging member isincreased; and the lower-engaging member is biased for effectingreversion of the cover to the coupling-ready configuration; the cover isfurther configured for co-operating with the lintel such that, in theassembled configuration, the cover is disposed in the coupling-effectiveconfiguration; the engagement of the upper surface-engaging member tothe upper surface of the lintel is with effect that the uppersurface-engaging member is bearing on the upper surface of the lintel;and the engagement of the lower surface-engaging member to the lowersurface of the lintel is with effect that the lower surface-engagingmember is bearing on the lower surface of the lintel.
 3. The cover asclaimed in claim 1; wherein: the cover is resiliently deformable fortransitioning from a coupling-ready configuration to acoupling-effective configuration, with effect that: the lowersurface-engaging member and the upper surface-engaging member becomefurther spread apart; and the lower-engaging member is biased foreffecting reversion of the cover to the coupling-ready configuration;the cover is further configured for co-operating with the lintel suchthat, in the assembled configuration, the cover is disposed in thecoupling-effective configuration; the engagement of the uppersurface-engaging member to the upper surface of the lintel is witheffect that the upper surface-engaging member is bearing on the uppersurface of the lintel; and the engagement of the lower surface-engagingmember to the lower surface of the lintel is with effect that the lowersurface-engaging member is bearing on the lower surface of the lintel.4. The cover as claimed in claim 1; wherein: the cover is resilientlydeformable for transitioning from a coupling-ready configuration to acoupling-effective configuration, wherein: in the coupling-effectiveconfiguration, relative to its disposition in the coupling-readyconfiguration, the lower surface-engaging member is disposed furtherfrom the upper surface-engaging member; and the lower-engaging member isbiased for effecting reversion of the cover to the coupling-readyconfiguration; the cover is further configured for co-operating with thelintel such that, in the assembled configuration, the cover is disposedin the coupling-effective configuration; the engagement of the uppersurface-engaging member to the upper surface of the lintel is witheffect that the upper surface-engaging member is bearing on the uppersurface of the lintel; and the engagement of the lower surface-engagingmember to the lower surface of the lintel is with effect that the lowersurface-engaging member is bearing on the lower surface of the lintel.5. The cover as claimed in claims 2; wherein: the bearing of the uppersurface-engaging member on the upper surface of the lintel and thebearing of the lower surface-engaging member on the lower surface of thelintel co-operate with effect that the cover is clamped to the lintel.6. The cover of claim 1 wherein, in the assembled configuration, theconcealing of the at least a portion of the front surface by the frontsurface-concealing portion and the concealing of the at least a portionof the lower surface by the lower surface-concealing portion co-operatewith effect that the lintel is continuously concealed from the at leasta portion of the front surface to the at least a portion of the lowersurface.
 7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the front surface-concealingportion, the upper surface engager, the lower surface engager, and thelower surface-concealing portion are integrally formed, such that thecover is of unitary one-piece construction.
 8. The cover of claim 1,wherein, in the assembled configuration, the concealed portion of thefront surface defines at least 80% of the front surface.
 9. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the concealed portionof the front surface has a surface area of at least 6 square inches. 10.The cover of claim 1, wherein, in the assembled configuration, theconcealed portion of the front surface defines the entirety of the frontsurface.
 11. The cover of claim 1, wherein, in the assembledconfiguration, the front surface-concealing portion completely concealsthe front surface.
 12. The cover of claim 1, wherein, in the assembledconfiguration, the concealed portion of the lower surface defines atleast 80% of the lower surface.
 13. The cover of claim 1, wherein, inthe assembled configuration, the concealed portion of the lower surfacehas a surface area of at least 60 square inches.
 14. The cover of claim1, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the concealed portion of thelower surface defines the entirety of the lower surface.
 15. The coverof claim 1, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the lowersurface-concealing portion completely conceals the lower surface. 16.The cover of claim 1, wherein the lower surface engager includes thelower surface-concealing portion.
 17. The cover of claim 1, wherein, inthe assembled configuration, the front surface-concealing portion andthe lower surface engager are co-operatively configured to define aliquid-receiving space for receiving liquid that ingresses between thelintel and the cover.
 18. The cover of claim 1, wherein, in theassembled configuration, the lower surface engager is sufficientlysloped in a downward direction such that, while liquid is disposedbetween the horizontally-extending member of the lintel and the lowersurface engager, the liquid is encouraged to flow towards the drain portin response to urging by gravitational forces.
 19. The cover of claim 1,wherein: the upper surface engager includes a surface that defines afirst normal axis; the lower surface engager includes a surface thatdefines a second normal axis; wherein an acute angle is defined betweenthe first normal axis and the second normal axis.
 20. The cover of claim19, wherein a minimum value for the angle is 3 degrees.
 21. The cover ofclaim 19, wherein a maximum value for the angle is 10 degrees.
 22. Thecover of claim 1, comprising a spacer that extends from the lowersurface engager, wherein: in the assembled configuration, the spacer isengaged with the lower surface of the horizontal-extending member of thelintel for effecting spacing of the lower surface engager relative tothe lower surface of the lintel.
 23. The cover of claim 22, wherein atleast one opening is defined within the spacer for facilitating flow ofliquid across the spacer.
 24. The cover of claim 23, wherein the atleast one opening is a plurality of openings.
 25. The cover of claim 1,wherein the at least one drain port is a plurality of drain ports. 26.An assembly, comprising: a lintel, wherein the lintel includes ahorizontally-extending member, the horizontally-extending memberincludes an upper surface, a lower surface disposed on an opposite sideof the horizontally-extending member relative to the upper surface, anda front surface extending between the upper surface and the lowersurface, wherein the upper surface includes a load-receiving portion forreceiving a load for supporting by the lintel; and a cover for thelintel, wherein the cover includes: a front surface-concealing portionfor concealing at least a portion of the front surface; an upper surfaceengager defining an upper surface-engaging member for engaging the uppersurface of the lintel; a lower surface engager defining a lowersurface-engaging member for engaging the lower surface of the lintel; alower surface-concealing portion; and at least one drain port definedwithin the lower surface-concealing portion; wherein: the cover isconfigured for co-operating with the lintel such that: engagement of theupper surface-engaging member to the upper surface of the lintel andengagement of the lower surface-engaging member to the lower surface ofthe lintel co-operate for effecting anchoring of the cover to the lintelsuch that an assembled configuration is obtained; in the assembledconfiguration:  the front surface-concealing portion is concealing atleast a portion of the front surface; and  the lower surface-concealingportion is concealing at least a portion of the lower surface; and  theat least one drain port is operative for facilitating egress of liquidthat has accumulated between the cover and the lintel.